SCWD Wavemaker - Switching Current Water Director (Squid)
Information

The SCWD (pronounced "squid") is a revolutionary device designed to provide alternating currents without the use of electricty. The SCWD mounts inline with 3/4" tubing, the two ports alternate the output, the bottom port is the input. A great alternative to expensive electronic ball valves. The SCWD will run on any pump with a minimum output of 50 GPH and a maximum output of 1400. The switching speed and current duration is dependent on the volume of water flowing through the SCWD. You can control the duration by controlling the flow going through the SCWD. Can be submersed for use with large power heads or used externally.

SCWD is regarded by industry experts as the most energy efficient wave-making product on the market. It replicates nature by generating alternating currents within a tank or pond. These currents stimulate coral, fish, and plant growth and keep other aquatic life healthy because of the tank or pond? increased water currents and oxygenation.

The SCWD (pronounced “squid”) is a revolutionary device, designed and manufactured to provide years of reliable service. Clearly the most efficient wave maker on the market, coupled with unique and patent pending free-flow, low back-pressure features, this compact product is the best mechanical current generating device available on the market today.

This unit has been tested and is approved for use with pump applications not to exceed 1400 GPH and a maximum of 5 psi, with a minimum rating of no less than 50 GPH. To get the maximum benefit and safest operation from this product please carefully read and follow all instructions and recommendations contained in this manual.

IMPORTANT SAFEGUARDS

READ AND FOLLOW ALL SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS - Even though this is not an electrical device, care should always be taken during installation, maintenance, or removal.

WARNING — To guard against injury, basic safety precautions should always be observed, including the following.

DANGER — To avoid possible electric shock, special care should be taken in the use of aquarium equipment.

1. It is important to avoid the possibility of an electrical aquarium accessory or receptacle from getting wet. Position the aquarium stand and tank to one side of a wall mounted receptacle to prevent water from dripping onto the receptacle or accessory plugs. A “drip loop” (shown in Diagram 1) should be arranged by the user for each power cord connecting an aquarium appliance to a receptacle. The “drip loop” is that part of the cord below the level of the receptacle, or connector if an extension cord is used, to prevent water from traveling along the cord and coming in contact with the receptacle.

DANGER - If the plug or receptacle does get wet, DON’T unplug the cord. Disconnect the fuse or circuit breaker that supplies power to the appliance. Then unplug and examine for presence of water in the receptacle.

2. Always unplug any accessory when not in use, before installing or removing parts, and cleaning.

3. Do not use any aquarium accessory for other than the intended use.

4. Do not install or store the SCWD or other accessories where they will be exposed to weather or temperature extremes.

SCWD WaveMaker

INSTRUCTIONS

Manufactured to the highest standards of quality and reliability, your new 3iQ Ventures LLC SCWD WaveMaker is designed to provide convenient, trouble-free operation. Careful attention to these instructions is the first step in ensuring that your wave maker will perform as intended.

Special Note - Although there are many different ways to install your new SCWD, the following instructions reflect the preferred method of installation. In addition, even though your new SCWD is not overly sensitive to the normal particulate and debris found in aquarium systems, to ensure long life, water must be filtered prior to entering the SCWD.

a. Measure and cut two pieces of 3/4 inch (ID) hose for the two outlets. For best results, it is strongly recommended that both outlet hoses are cut equal in length, leaving the SCWD centered between the two outlets (ref. Diagram 1).

b. Measure and cut one piece of 3/4 inch (ID) hose that will be connected to the water pump, canister filter, or powerhead outlet at one end and the SCWD inlet on the other. It is recommended that an inline valve be installed between the water pump and the SCWD to allow for flow adjustment, and for ease of removal and cleaning of the outlet hoses if required.

c. Install one hose on each outlet of the SCWD by applying firm, but even pressure, until each hose is fully seated. It is recommended at this point that you install worm clamps for added protection against leaks and the possibility of the hose coming loose. Do not over-tighten the worm clamps.

d. Install the inlet hose using the same operations noted in 1.c., paying close attention not to exert too much force on the nipple.

e. Once all hoses are mounted and clamped, you are now ready to install the outlet elbows and nozzles on each end of the outlet hoses. By combining rigid elbows to form an angle over the aquarium side you can adjust the position of the outlet nozzles to give you the desired current affect. The configuration of the elbow is such that it will hang over the back of the tank on both sides like an upside down “U”, ref. Diagram 1. At this time, you should support the SCWD by mounting or hanging the SCWD from the back of your tank using a coat hanger (or suitable wire)

f. Connect the inlet hose with the inline valve to your pump, canister filter, or powerhead outlet. Be sure to use a worm clamp to avoid any potential leakage.

2. OPERATION

Congratulations! You are ready to begin operation of the #1 wave maker on the market.

Make certain the device (SCWD) is securely installed before operation.

a. Open the in-line valve between the water pump and your SCWD so that it is approximately half open. This is a precautionary step to prevent a full force surge to the SCWD when using some of the higher volume and pressure pumps.

b. Apply power to the water pump. Verify water outlets are expelling water and that there are no leaks at any of the connections. Verify that the device is switching water flow between the two outlets. Now open the in-line valve to desired flow.

Helpful Tip - Switching speed and current duration is dependent on the volume of water flowing through the SCWD. Higher volume pumps will naturally cause a quicker switching response than lower volume pumps. By adjusting your inline valve you will be able to regulate both the amount of flow and the switching speed.

3. MAINTENANCE

a. Provided all instructions and tips are followed in the previous pages of this manual, your SCWD is designed and manufactured to be trouble-free. It is recommended, however, that you inspect your SCWD for general serviceability whenever maintaining your aquarium.

b. Inspect your SCWD and all hoses and their connections for leaks.

c. To assure proper water flow, inspect inlet hoses, outlet hoses, and nozzles for algae and slime build-up, and clean if required.

Helpful Tip - To prevent harm to fish and invertebrates, never use soap or detergents when cleaning your aquarium and supporting equipment.

4. TROUBLESHOOTING

a. There are very few things that can go wrong with the SCWD: If a problem should occur, please follow the recommendations for the specific conditions listed on the following page. Most problems are attributed to water that has not been sufficiently filtered prior to flowing through the SCWD. As mentioned earlier as a Special Note in section 1, Installation, water should always be filtered prior to entering the SCWD.

3iQ Ventures was conceived in 2000 and established as a LLC in 2002. 3iQ Ventures was established to develop and market “innovative quality solutions”. Paul Muscarella, Daniel Wilson, Darryl Wooldridge are the Leadership Team of 3iQ Ventures, LLC, bringing various and complementary talents and skills to the enterprise.

SCWD Wavemaker - Switching Current Water Director (Squid)
Reviews

So far so good !

by
ARTHUR SCHICK

Great

Posted: 12/17/2014 from MERRITT ISLAND, FL USA

4.05

Experience Level:
Intermediate

Comments:Squid has been hooked up and running for 24 hours and no problems. It does reduce total overall flow a LITTLE so you should probably have a pump that makes just a bit too much flow to start with. It was quick and easy to set up. Did not add the recommended shutoff valve or quick disconnect. Would have given it five stars if it could have worked without reducing the total output, but I guess the mechanical energy to switch flows has to come from somewhere.

Great Sqwd

It outlasted my tank

by
ERIC KEITH

Excellent!

Posted: 4/25/2013 from THOUSAND OAKS, CA UNITED STATE

5.05

Experience Level:
Expert

Comments:I bought the 3/4" version in the early 2000s, when that's all that was available. I had it on a 75 gallon reef tank and I was very happy with it. I ran it on a 1200GPH 3/4 Iwaki. Like most others, I had the returns on the left and right hand sides of the tank. As long as you have good flow going through it - via a back-pressure rated pump - it will create excellent alternating currents. It lasted 2 years of continuous use before I tore down the tank as I had to move out of state for a new job. I soaked it in vinigar and a light solution of bleech, rinsed it out, and then packed it up. It's now 2013 and I plan to use it again in the near future when I start-up another tank. I'm guessing it will work just fine, just as before.
Since others have been having failures, I'm going to guess the quality has gone done hill. This is the nature of manufacturing these days. If you wan't good quality, China is generally NOT the place to get it.
As I said in another review for another wavemaker, the real deal is the variable flow powerheads like Vortech and Tunze.

Limited

by
STEVE ROY

Average

Posted: 3/3/2012 from PINCOURT, CANADA

3.05

Experience Level:
Intermediate

Comments:If you are looking to setup this product on a 150 gal or more, do yourself a favor and go with the 1" version.
The flow is too restricted for a noticeable difference when using the product on a pump exceeding 1000 gph.
However I now have 2 of the 1" and they work great.

SCWD Wavemaker

by
Dubulation

Great

Posted: 1/12/2012 from Canyon Lake, CA UNITED STATES

4.05

Experience Level:
Intermediate

Comments:I have owned 2 SCWD's over the past 7 years. I have had the current unit for over 3 years. This unit just stopped alternating. I will but another unit. I think they work great. Mine have been working perfectly for years and running silent. I’m glad to not have the experience that some others have had purchasing the same product. I think a longer warranty period would be in order.
It is powered by a Mag 12 at 5' of head (1120 GPH). The water is filtered by the pump's foam prefilter.

parts are now available

by
BEAU SCOVILLE

Average

Posted: 12/1/2011 from Bentonville, AR UNITED STATES

3.05

Experience Level:
Expert

Comments:Mine started having problems within 6 months. Great idea just poor quality contruction. If they would build them out of quality parts and just charge a bit more i think these would fly off the shelf. But when the reviews all say the same thing "mine quit after X months" then who wants to waste there $90 on one. I gave mine away with the scwd website to get rebuild parts from. I gave it three stars because I did love it when it was working! It was plumbed to a Rio Hyper Flow 17 pump and worked well. I think a stronger pump would have helped increase its life span.

1" SCWD

by
Dan

Unsatisfactory

Posted: 8/11/2011 from LA MESA, CA UNITED STATES

0.55

Experience Level:
Intermediate

Comments:I've had three of the 1" models and all of them have ended up sticking almost immediately. The gate will stick between the outlets and not rotate. The first time it happened, I figure I just had a bad one, so I returned it. When I got the replacement and hooked it up, the same thing happened. I'm talking hours not days or weeks for it to stop rotating. I've left it alone for weeks to see if it would start rotating on it's own, but it doesn't. Once it gets stuck, that's it. I've tried switching parts between the two I have now just to see if that helped, but it doesn't. Same result of the gate getting stuck. I have an Iwaki MD55RLT for my main pump, so I know I have enough flow to drive this thing. I had the 3/4" model and used it for five years with no problems. That's why I don't understand why this 1" model doesn't perform as advertised. I'm very disappointed in this product. I do NOT recommend the 1" model.

SCWD Wavemaker

by
Jojo

Great

Posted: 6/5/2011 from RIVERSIDE, CA UNITED STATES

4.05

Experience Level:
Intermediate

Comments:I bought the 3/4" version. It did work but I needed to get a higher output return pump to make it more effective. My 650 gallon return at a 4 feet height thru 3/4 inch tubing couldn't output enough to cause alternating current that I liked thru the SCWD.
So my suggestion to anyone who wants to use this is the make sure their pump output will be great enough to actually see the difference made in the tank. Keep in mind the SCWD also puts some pressure on the pump and you'll lose a few GPH thru it too.

Poor Design

by
LANCE THOMPSON

Unsatisfactory

Posted: 5/28/2011 from Memphis, TN 38117

1.05

Experience Level:
Expert

Comments:I have gone through 3 of the 3/4" SCWDs in 2 years. They break. It has nothing to do with material being lodged in the unit, debris, or corrosion. The wheel "sprocket" simply comes unlodged and it ceases to oscillate. The only reason I continue to buy it is that my CLS is now dependent on this component due to design. I would not buy this based on my experience. If you don't have the flow to push the 1" unit, simply find another wavemaking solution.I find it hard to believe that ANYONE who has had one of these over a year would rate this higher than one star. I'm working on complete redesign of my plumbing, and I'm reluctantly going to try the 1" model.

SCWD Fix

by
STEVEN GALLAGHER

Average

Posted: 4/30/2010 from OAK CREEK, WI UNITED STATES

3.05

Experience Level:
Intermediate

Comments:I just recieved this product and was somewhat diappointed that it ships brand new with an extension flow tube that you have to install yourself. It requires following a pamphlet of not-so-easy to understand steps requiring complete disassembly and possible damage to the unit. If this fix is required for the unit to operate then SCWD should have installed it themselves. Not for the beginner! Otherwise the product does what it says it will. I would recommend this product to a friend.

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